Birding on Pasture - Bird Walk and Q&A Session

On October 3rd, Richard Candler led us for a morning of birdwatching in a native grassland area in Sewanee, TN. Then, we zoomed in for a virtual Q&A session with Peter Byck, director of Roots So Deep. This event was held in collaboration with the Office of Environmental Studies at the University of the South.

WHY BIRDS?

Birds are an important indicator of ecosystem health and many bird species are reliant on grassland areas maintained by either fire or grazing. Observing bird populations is one way farmers can assess the impact of their farming practices on the local ecology. When we show that well-managed grazing can have a positive impact on wild animals and native plants, that makes the case for farmland protection even stronger.

THE BIRD WALK

The field portion of the event took place in a native grassland area owned by the University of the South and maintained using prescribed burns. Richard Candler, accomplished birder and co-author of Birding Sewanee led us through brush and woods, sharing his favorite bird watching spots. We observed fall migratory species, including the Tennessee warbler. The fall wildflowers also offered quite the show.

Birding Sewanee is a guide that offers thoughtful information on when and where to find different bird species in the areas surrounding Sewanee. 

THE Q&A SESSION

During the Q&A with Peter Byck, director of Roots So Deep, a documentary series and research project focused on the ecological impact of adaptive grazing systems, we learned about the scope of the research and Peter’s role of making complex scientific information accessible and engaging. We heard how the presence of healthy bird populations (especially bobwhite quail) on neighboring farms using adaptive practices was one of the main motivators for farmers to adopt adaptive management. Peter also talked about how his team crafted  the term “adaptive management practices” to convey a grazing style that is dynamic and responds to different grazing conditions, unique from other concepts like rotational grazing or mob grazing. Professors Deb McGrath and Keri Watson (who are involved in research with area farms), and their students asked some great questions about technical aspects of the research. 

To learn more, check out the documentary series, which is available to rent or buy at the Roots So Deep website.